The Notre Dame High School Alumni Association has recognized outstanding alumni for 2019.
John Mullin, class of '79, has been named the Jim Phifer Service Award winner, and Bill Rosemann is the Distinguished Alumnus. The two will be honored on July 25 during an Alumni Awards Reception at the school as part of Alumni Weekend.
Distinguished Alumnus
Bill Rosemann has been a member of the Marvel comics family for more than two decades. Beginning as a reporter for Marvel Age magazine, he has enjoyed stints as a copywriter, "Your Man @ Marvel" secret blogger, marketing manager, comic-book writer, comic-book editor and Spider-Man balloon wrangler in Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.
In 2008, in addition to editing numerous monthly comic-book series such as Black Panther, Avengers Academy, Ms. Marvel, War Machine and Black Widow, Rosemann led a team of writers and artists to reimagine The Guardians of the Galaxy, which inspired a global franchise celebrated in film, animation, video games, consumer products and theme-park attractions.
As a brand ambassador, Rosemann has worked to spread Marvel's history of positive social impact via inspirational talks at numerous universities and corporations, including Apple's 2016 Worldwide Developers Conference.
Now vice president and creative director for Marvel Games, Rosemann uses his knowledge of and passion for the "House of Ideas" to not only collaborate with worldwide partners on a growing library of video games, including the blockbuster hit Marvel's Spider-Man, but to also grow the next generation of fans.
Rosemann, also a graduate of the University of Notre Dame, lives in California with his wife, casting director Ali Farrell, and their 10-year-old son, Peter.
"Bill was one of several outstanding nominations for this award, and we are proud to recognize his accomplishments. He is a fantastic representative of Notre Dame and her commitment to students and their success far beyond high school," said Anne Wehunt, class of '86 and Alumni Council president.
Jim Phifer Service Award
John Mullin has been a staff member of Notre Dame High School for 36 years, beginning in 1983 when he was hired by Jim Phifer to teach in the science department. In 2000, then-principal Perry Storey asked Mullin to move from the classroom and assume his current role as the dean of students.
Mullin led the school's wrestling program as an assistant and head coach for more than 30 years before retiring in 2016. Highlights of his career include the team winning three state duals championships as well as being part of 22 individual state championships. Individual champions and place winners include his brothers David and Chris, and his nephews Grayson, Packy and Luke. In 2016, Notre Dame named the wrestling center in the Varallo Athletics Center in his honor.
However, Mullin extends his service to Notre Dame well beyond his official duties.
Since retiring as a coach, he continues to manage and lead the spring golf tournament, a fundraiser for the ND football and wrestling programs. He serves and maintains all school properties outside the Vermont Avenue campus. He supports all Notre Dame events, including fundraisers, banquets and school functions with his valuable operations skills.
"Each year, our faculty bestows an award known as 'The Heart of Notre Dame,' which John deservedly won in 2016, adding his name to a long list of some very inspiring and dedicated faculty members - past and present. But I'd hate to imagine - or do without - the wealth of Notre Dame knowledge he carries in his head; it's matched only by his dedication to the people of the Notre Dame family," said NDHS President George Valadie, class of '71.
He has been a dedicated member in a variety of worthwhile events and organizations in the city of Lakesite, where he resides. As a resident of his community, Mullin has been an active board member of the Lakesite Recreation Club and the operation of the community pool for more than 15 years. He has also assisted with numerous annual neighborhood events and programs.
He is the son of Bob and Jeannine Mullin, supporters of Notre Dame for more than 40 years. Mullin and his wife, Margaret, are parents of Notre Dame alum Marlee Mullin, class of '16. His family's legacy also includes sister Kim (class of '78); brothers David ('81) and Chris ('85); nephews Grayson ('11), Patrick ('15) and Luke ('16); and nieces Alexandra ('11), Sophia ('12) and Gaby ('15).
Mullin was previously recognized for 30 years of service to NDHS, and Valadie stated to the faculty and staff at the time, "What would we do without him?"